Featured Volunteer Program Updates
We’re excited to bring you the latest Featured Program Updates in this issue! This section informs you about what’s happening in the programs you care about most.
Each issue highlights three programs, sharing key updates, exciting developments, and notable achievements. Whether it’s a breakthrough project, an inspiring success story, or an upcoming event, you'll get a quick snapshot of what's going on across JFS initiatives.
To make it even easier for you to engage with the programs that interest you, we’ll soon be adding clickable buttons for each program—just click the button if you want to learn more!
This issue's featured programs:
Adaptive Bike
The Adaptive Bike Program is a community-based program that provides a fun and safe way to connect individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities to adaptive biking in their community! This program runs from May through September with the goal of increased comfortability and safety skills for participants on adaptive bikes, form meaningful friendships, and promote healthy habits in the community. Last year, with the leadership and support of wonderful staff and volunteers, participants reported outcomes including increased exercise and the ability to ride for longer and further than ever before. At the end of their sessions, two participants even purchased their own adaptive bikes. We look forward to another amazing summer!
Boulder
JFS Boulder provides vital services to individuals, families, and older adults, focusing on emergency financial assistance, care management, and mental health support. In FY24, JFS Boulder distributed $159,000 to over 90 individuals, including those impacted by the Marshall Fire, and provided care management to 30 clients, handling 500+ referrals. Mental health services reached more than 1,000 individuals, supporting 9,000 therapy sessions. With Boulder facing a mental health crisis, JFS Boulder established a permanent office in 2023 to address the shortage of providers. Other services include support groups for 300 participants, a Friendly Visitor program to reduce social isolation, and a Para-Chaplain program, offering 39 holiday and Shabbat services for 500 attendees. The Farm Share and Holiday Distribution program delivered 104 farm shares and provided holiday meals and gifts to 118 individuals. JFS Boulder continues to meet growing community needs and strives to enhance the well-being of all.
Refugee Resettlement
The U.S. State Department's recent stop-work order halting refugee resettlement across the country has created a significant challenge for JFS and the families it serves. This decision has impacted the essential support JFS provides to those who have already resettled in the United States.
Despite this setback, JFS continues to make a powerful impact. Between October 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, JFS resettled 137 individuals—more than double the typical 60 arrivals in this period. Over the past year, the organization has helped 191 refugees from around the world begin their new lives in safety and stability in the United States.
JFS remains dedicated to providing essential services, including food, housing, and employment assistance, to help these families thrive in their new communities. Your support is more important than ever—donate to the Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program to help bridge the funding gap caused by this policy change.
JFS stands firm in its commitment to the core Jewish values of welcoming the stranger and acting justly toward those in need. Staff and volunteers are steadfast in helping refugees settle into their new lives in Colorado, and we are ready to support more as soon as the opportunity arises.
We hope you find these updates helpful and stay connected with the impact we are all making together!